Katerina Swanson
Propane tanks are a common feature of many homes, but they can be an eyesore. Luckily, there are many ways to hide them with landscaping. Above-ground propane tanks can be disguised with plants, fences, or screens, while underground tanks can be planted over or hidden with a pathway through shrubs and tall grasses. For above-ground tanks, you can install a stand-alone trellis or attach one to your fence and plant fast-growing vines like ivy or honeysuckle to fill it out. Alternatively, you can build a berm, a row of mounded earth that can be planted over for more coverage. You can also paint your tank to match the landscape, but this will require maintenance and may be unsafe.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use of plants | Small trees, bushes, grasses, and fast-growing vines like ivy or honeysuckle can be planted around the tank or on a trellis. Avoid conical evergreens like juniper and arbor vitae as they can emphasise the tank's bulk. |
| Trellises | Can be standalone or attached to fencing and provide a quick, simple, and attractive way to hide the tank. |
| Berms | A buildup of earth above ground that provides coverage and can be planted out for added height and camouflage. |
| Fences | A short run of fencing, such as a picket fence, can be installed in front of the tank and painted to match the tank colour. |
| Screens | Privacy screens can be purchased or built from materials like metal sheeting, lattice, or rails to enclose the tank. |
| Painting | Tanks can be painted to match the surrounding landscape, but this requires maintenance and should only be done with light or reflective exterior paints to avoid overheating. Creative painting is not recommended for safety reasons. |
| Underground tanks | Underground propane tanks can be installed to hide them from view, but this comes with safety and accessibility considerations. |
| Structures | A shed or garage-like structure can be built around the tank, using materials that match the home for a natural look. |
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What You'll Learn
Use a fence, trellis, or screen to hide the tank
One of the most popular ways to hide an LP fuel tank is to use a fence, trellis, or screen. This method can be both effective and aesthetically pleasing.
A simple timber picket fence is a common choice, as it can be easily installed and painted to match the colour of the tank, helping it to blend in. You can also add decorative items to the fence to make it a feature in your garden and distract the eye from the tank. However, keep in mind that a fence may require occasional maintenance due to peeling paint.
Trellises are another quick, simple, and relatively cheap way to block a propane tank from view. They can be placed in front of the tank, with or without climbing plants, and can be positioned in various interesting ways, such as overlapping or spreading out, to create a focal point. If you're happy to wait, you can also grow plants up the trellis over time, providing even more coverage.
If you're looking for a more natural screen, you can plant trees, bushes, or grasses around the tank to conceal it. However, be mindful of safety regulations and ensure that the plants do not interfere with the tank's access or service.
Additionally, you can opt for a combination of these ideas by layering fences, trellises, and plants to create a more comprehensive screen. Mobile elements, such as dressing screens or panels, can also be used if you only want to hide the tank when necessary.
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Opt for a propane tank cover
If you're looking for a quick, simple, and effective solution to hide your propane tank, opting for a propane tank cover is a great idea. While there are various creative landscaping ideas to camouflage your tank, a tank cover is a convenient and efficient way to tuck it away from view.
Propane tank covers are designed to securely hold and cover your tank, providing easy access for refilling. They are often lightweight, sturdy, and durable, with handles for effortless movement. You can place them next to a fire pit or behind a planter, and some even come with a multipurpose cover that can be used as a side table or plant stand.
When choosing a propane tank cover, you can find options made from lightweight concrete with a faux stone look or modern designs with a gorgeous finish. These covers can complement your garden, patio, or backyard space. Additionally, some covers are adjustable, ensuring a perfect fit for your tank.
While propane tank covers offer a straightforward solution, it's important to remember that safety should always come first. Ensure that you follow the manufacturer's guidelines and safety regulations regarding the placement and use of your propane tank, even when it's covered.
By opting for a propane tank cover, you can easily hide your LP fuel tank and create a neat and beautiful outdoor space without drawing attention to the tank itself.
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Disguise the tank with paint
Painting your LP fuel tank can help transform it into a centrepiece for your garden. You can opt for a plain colour to restore the tank's look or go for a graffiti-style design. However, it's important to note that this option usually only works for steel oil tanks. Before painting, you'll need to remove any existing rust and use a primer.
If you don't want to paint the tank itself, you can disguise it by painting a fence in a similar colour to the tank to help it blend in. A white picket fence is a popular choice, but you can also install a pre-made vinyl fence to make maintenance easier. To ensure a long-lasting paint job, proper surface preparation is key. Use a pressure washer to clean the fence before painting.
While painting the tank or a fence can help disguise it, you may need to combine it with other techniques for a more effective solution. For example, you can put decorative items on the fence to distract the eye, such as a cute flower market sign. Additionally, consider landscaping by planting small trees, bushes, and grasses around the tank to create a natural screen that blends into the background. Just be mindful of safety guidelines and ensure you don't block essential access to the tank.
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Surround the tank with plants
When it comes to landscaping, sometimes trying to completely cover something only makes it stand out more. Instead, the best camouflage blends into the background. In this case, you can surround your propane tank with plants that act as a "privacy screen". This means breaking up a large, solid white object on a field of green.
One creative solution is to build a natural screen with plants that have enough size and volume to "support" the tank but have lots of branches and foliage moving in several directions so as not to emphasise the bulk of the tank itself. Avoid conical evergreens like juniper and arbor vitae, as these can magnify the shape of the tank.
You can also plant small trees, bushes, and grasses around the tank. Just make sure not to plant directly around the edge of the tank, as this violates safety standards and makes it harder for technicians to access the tank. If you want to add height, consider planting in pots or containers, which can be positioned close to the tank while still allowing access for maintenance and refills. You can also tie the space into your broader garden design by using the pots or containers in other parts of the yard.
Raised beds are another way to tie the area into other parts of your yard. Match the material of the raised bed to your architecture or other parts of your garden—brick, timber, concrete, or stone—to help it blend in. Just make sure to provide adequate access to and around the tank.
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Create a berm to provide coverage
A berm is a build-up of earth above ground, often in a longer row than an individual mound. Berms are generally found on larger properties and are a simple way to provide coverage in front of your propane tank. They require some space to build and a certain cross-section shape to look more natural. The benefit of berms is that they can be planted out to add height and coverage.
When creating a berm, note the shape – a ‘leaning’ mound – that gives it a more natural look. You can also create fascinating hills and valleys, adding something interesting to the landscape. However, keep in mind that berms may alter how water flows across the ground, so ensure that you don't direct water towards the tank.
Berms can be combined with other landscaping techniques to effectively hide your LP fuel tank. For example, you can plant small trees, bushes, and grasses around the tank to create a "privacy screen" that blends into the surrounding garden. Alternatively, you can add trellises in front of the tank, with or without plants. Trellises can support climbing plants, providing additional coverage over time.
When landscaping around LP fuel tanks, it's important to consider safety regulations and access to the tank. Ensure that any plants or structures do not obstruct the path to the tank from the driveway or access point.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many ways to hide an LP fuel tank in your yard, including:
- Building a fence around it
- Installing a trellis
- Planting tall grasses and shrubs around it
- Painting the tank to blend in with its surroundings
- Installing a propane tank cover
You can install a pre-made vinyl picket fence or a solid fence that coordinates with your existing fencing. If you opt for a painted wooden fence, be prepared for regular maintenance due to peeling paint.
A trellis is a structure made of upright poles and beams that can be used to support climbing plants. You can install a standalone trellis or attach one to your fence.
When planting around your LP fuel tank, choose species with shallow roots and avoid plants that spread or cling, such as vines. Place plants at least 3 to 4 feet away from the tank so that the roots don't interfere with the propane lines.
Yes, you can paint your LP fuel tank, but there are a few things to keep in mind. First, check your local laws and tank-specific requirements. Second, use exterior paints in light or reflective colours that won't cause the surface to overheat. Finally, be prepared to repaint periodically as the paint will wear down over time.
